PHOTO: Bear spotted by 22News viewer in Belchertown

BELCHERTOWN, Mass. (WWLP) – A 22News viewer spotted a bear in Belchertown early Friday morning.

Denise Ryan of Belchertown spotted this bear in the woods in Belchertown last week.

According to Mass.gov , there are 4,500 black bears, across the Commonwealth, making it not uncommon to see one walking through your yard. Black bears become more active and search for food during springtime in western Massachusetts.

According to the National Park Service , if you see a bear you should do the following:

• Remain watchful
• Do not approach it
• Do not allow the bear to approach you
• If the bear is at a distance, feeding or walking by, and notices you but continues its natural behavior, no action is needed on your part. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear.
• If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) you are too close.
• Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space. Don’t run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Increase the distance between you and the bear. The bear will probably do the same.

Local News

Six Flags New England opens water park Memorial Day weekend

Emergency housing construction set to begin in Springfield

Southampton road closure for water main work

Deberry School in Springfield hosted awards night to honor parents and guardians

22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts in March 1953. Watch the 22News digital edition on weekdays at 4 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.